Village Opposed To Plan Ran Out Of Money

The village of Bensenville near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport has been fighting a plan to extend runways at the major hub for decades, but Tuesday the village said it was dropping it's legal challenges, clearing a major hurdle in the $15 billion expansion plan.

The decision to drop the challenge seems to be based mostly in economics, though the city of Chicago pledged millions of dollars to help insulate homes and schools against the noise that the expanded runways would bring.

Television station WGN reports that Frank Soto, President of the Village of Bensenville, said the settlement was a victory for the village, but one that came at a price. "It's unfortunate, but this protracted litigation has depleted our financial resources. It has continued long after it was prudent to do so ... and has caused increases in our village debt and decreases in the value of our properties," he said.

Chicago has pledged up to $16 million for the village, along with millions more for noise insulation for nearby homes and schools. Rosemarie Andolino, the Aviation Commissioner of the City of Chicago, said "The agreement allows the city to move forward with the O'Hare modernization program, Mayor Richard M. Daley's vision to build an airport for the 21st century."

FMI: www.ohare.com, www.bensenville.il.us